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Great Rural Restaurants in Cyprus with Views not to be Missed

Great Rural Restaurants in Cyprus with Views not to be Missed

Cyprus is well-known around the world for its delicious authentic cuisine, fresh local produce, and mouth-watering island flavours but it’s also famous for its stunning landscapes and awe-inspiring natural vistas.

And what better way to enjoy two of Cyprus’ finest offerings by combining the two! My Cyprus Insider has put together a selection of our favourite rural restaurants with amazing views that are not to be missed.

Photo: Hill View Restaurant

1. Hill View Restaurant, Pissouri

The village of Pano Pissouri, high in the hills above the sea, is home to the Hill View restaurantand apartments which, as the name suggests, offer astounding views of the little countryside village, the surrounding hills and the sea in the distance. The food is second to none and has won a number of awards for its high-quality and fabulous local tastes.

Diners can enjoy a fancy a la carte menu every Sunday or order from the extensive menu of fish dishes, traditional Cypriot fare and international cuisine. Guests at the hotel will also be able to enjoy the views over their breakfast for the ultimate way to start the day.

Where? Stadium Street, Pissouri. Tel: (+357) 25-221972

2. The Tavern, Lyhnos hotel, Askas

Lyhnos hotel, in the stunning village of Askas, is housed in a gorgeous traditional old mountain village mansion and as such its interiors exude an other-worldly charm, with stone walls and wooden beams. The hotel boasts spectacular views out over the village and the mountain ranges and nowhere are the views more impressive than from the hotel’s restaurant, The Tavern.

The dining space is located in the mansion’s old stable, store-room and cellar, and although the space has been lovingly restored, the décor is still reminiscent of the medieval times. Nowadays, the restaurant serves local delicacies, made using fresh seasonal produce, served up with a fantastic selection of Cypriot wines.

Where? 1 Michail Koutsofta, Askas, Nicosia. Tel: (+357) 22-642641

3. Viklari (The Last Castle), Akamas

As the name suggests, Viklari – or The Last Castle – is the very last outpost before the real untouched, wild part of the Akamas Peninsula begins. The gloriously unpretentious, family run restaurant is built up the hill just after the beginning of the Avagas Gorge trail and makes the perfect lunch stop for tired hikers returning from the walk.

Photo credit: Paschali Hills Apartments

The seating area is a large vine covered terrace jutting out of the hill overlooking the stunning wild peninsula and the vast stretch of Mediterranean blue sea beyond. Lunch at Viklari is a simple affair, with succulent barbeque meats, salads and delicious Cypriot potatoes washed down with cold beer and grapes picked from the leafy canopy above. Viklari is usually only open during the warmer seasons and closes for the winter, so put this one on your to-do list for summer 2018 and you won’t regret it!

Where? Avakas Gorge Rd, Peyia. Tel: (+357) 99-516324

4. Baths Of Aphrodite Restaurant, Latchi

Boasting an amazing location, right next to the famous Baths of Aphrodite, on the edge of the Akamas Peninsula, the Baths Of Aphrodite Restaurant offers diners some of the most breath-taking views of the west coast of the island from Latchi all the way down to Pomos, Kato Pyrgos and beyond.

The restaurant serves great local fish and traditional Cypriot meze, and makes a perfect resting stop for an ice-cold Keo or a strong Cypriot coffee, after the hike down to the baths and back up again. Very popular with tourists, the restaurant is best appreciated at off-peak seasons and makes a wonderful place to watch the sun set behind Akamas at any time of year.

Where? 126 Rigenis, Paphos. Tel: (+357) 26-321457

5. The Mylos Restaurant, The Mill Hotel, Kakopetria

When it comes to mouth-wateringly delicious fresh trout, cooked to perfection in a garlic and lemon butter sauce, nowhere beats The Mylos Restaurant at The Mill Hotel in Kakopetria. And while the fish will leave your taste buds tantalised, the amazing view over the hillside village and the valleys below is an awe-inspiring reason to visit in itself.

The hotel is built in a historic old mill and the restaurant is located on the top floor of the building, with a sunny wooden terrace offering the best viewpoints. Inside, the cosy open-plan restaurant has a wonderfully warm and inviting atmosphere, and food that has earned itself a reputation island wide for its top quality at very affordable prices.

Where?8 Mill Str, Kakopetria. Tel: (+357) 22-922536

6. Kanalli Fish Tavern, Pomos

If you have yet to uncover the astounding peace and tranquillity of the far western coast of Cyprus, it is well worth adding it to your list of places to go once the warmer weather starts up again. And those looking for a place to eat great fish with the most majestic view of the coast, should head to Kanalli Fish Tavern, a local favourite, and one of the best spots around to make the most of the views.

The huge covered terrace at the front of the restaurant overlooks the still calm waters of Kanalli bay, with its tiny little fishing harbour and its untouched stretch of pebble beach. The food is the usual fish tavern fare, with fresh fish, calamari and octopus as the speciality of the house. Just make sure you don’t arrive too late in the day, when the best fish has already been eaten!

Where? Stratilati 1, Kanalli Bay, Pomos. Tel: (+357) 26-342191

7. St George Fish Tavern, Agios Georgios Harbour, Paphos

Located just above Agios Georgios harbour, opposite the iconic St. George Rock at the beginning of the Akamas Peninsula, St George Fish Tavern not only offers one of the best views in the area, but also some of the best fish on this side of the island.

Local fishermen bring their catch of the day straight to St George, where it is cooked fresh on the grill and served up the best way – with local olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon. St George is also well-known in the area for its brilliant octopus and grilled calamari and the huge outdoor terrace has plenty of room for the crowds who come here in their masses on the weekends. Call ahead to make sure you get a table near the edge with the view of the sea and the sounds of waves lapping against the shore.